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Over the past decades, plastic has become an essential component in various industries due to its abundant raw materials, low cost and ease of manufacturing. From food packaging to medical applications, plastic has played a crucial role in facilitating daily life by offering economical and practical solutions.
However, this widespread use is associated with various environmental and health implications. Research indicates that some chemical compounds used in plastic production may leach into both food and water, potentially affecting public health. But how significant is this threat? And what are the best ways to mitigate it?
In this survey, we shed light on the scientific dimensions of plastic use, drawing on expert opinions and recent studies to understand its effects and explore ways to minimise its risks.
Is your bottle safe?
Have you ever considered packaging safety when you open a bottle of mineral water? It may seem insignificant – just a container that keeps the water pure – but the reality is more complex than it appears.Ìý
Dr. Haidar Al-Lawati, a professor of chemistry at the College of Science, explains that some plastic bottles are not suitable for storing drinking water. Over time, water can dissolve harmful substances from the bottle’s surface, especially when reused. The more a bottle is used, the greater the risk.
But how can we distinguish between safe and unsafe bottles? Al-Lawati reveals a simple secret hidden in every plastic container: a triangle symbol containing a number. If the number is 1, it means the bottle is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the safest types of plastic. However, if the number inside the triangle is 6, caution is advised. A recent report from an Arab research centre indicates that this type of plastic, used by some companies, can leach highly hazardous organic compounds known to be carcinogenic. Other studies highlight the dangers of plastics marked with the number 7, which may also pose health risks.
Proper storage methods
Plastic bottles and packaging raise health concerns due to the potential transfer of chemicals into food and beverages, posing a threat to public health. Dr. Mohammed Al-Khusaibi, from the Department of Food and Nutrition at the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, discloses that some additives in plastic, such as bisphenol A (BPA), can cause hormone disruptions by mimicking oestrogen. Meanwhile, phthalates, used to make plastic more flexible, may lead to liver and kidney dysfunction, and have negative effects on fertility, fetal development and pregnant women’s health.
A 2008 study by the University of Arizona found that antimony might leach into water stored in PET bottles. Antimony exposure can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, blood pressure fluctuations and blood sugar imbalances, and has possible links to cancer. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a maximum permissible limit of 20 nanograms per litre, while Japan enforces an even stricter limit of 2 nanograms per litre.
Although the study found that antimony leaching is minimal, it significantly increases with higher temperatures. This raises concerns, especially in hot regions where temperatures inside cars and storage facilities can reachÌý50 °CÌý. Therefore, it is essential to check storage conditions before purchasing bottled water and ensure that bottles have not been exposed to temperatures exceeding 30-35 °C. If storage conditions are uncertain, it is advisable to check the production date and ensure that the bottle is no more than one month old. The more recent the production date, the higher the water quality. Additionally, consumers should avoid reusing plastic bottles or storing acidic beverages in them.
Notably, choosing bottled water should not be based solely on the brand, but also on how it was stored and transported. Raising awareness of these details is essential for safeguarding public health.
Potential risks to fetal health
Using plastic bottles also poses potential health risks, particularly to fetuses, due to the leaching of harmful chemicals such as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and microplastics.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Azri, head of the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, states that heating or reusing plastic bottles can release hormone-mimicking substances, which may impede fetal development and negatively affect neurological and reproductive health.
Studies have detected microplastic particles in human tissues, including the placenta, which may interfere with its functions and affect fetal growth. This could increase the risks of miscarriage, preterm birth and low birth weight, while also leading to long-term effects such as metabolic disorders and developmental delays. As a precaution, experts advise pregnant women to avoid plastic bottles and opt for glass or stainless-steel containers instead. They also recommend avoiding heating plastic and limiting the consumption of packaged foods to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
What are the possible alternatives?
Al-Khusaibi points out that plastic bottles, like other products, are safe when used correctly, although the big challenge lies in their environmental impact. Plastics do not decompose easily, leading to their accumulation and harm to wildlife and marine life.
Therefore, current research is focusing on recycling plastic and developing more sustainable alternatives. Glass is considered a safe and eco-friendly option since it is free of harmful chemicals and can be reused and recycled without affecting public health. However, its high cost and heavy weight pose economic challenges for food manufacturers. This is where bioplastics emerge as a promising alternative. Bioplastics are biodegradable, but adapting them for the requirements of the food industry remains a significant challenge.
Given these challenges, research is a top priority in developing sustainable alternatives that reduce the impact of plastic on health and the environment. However, these alternatives still face multiple obstacles, including high production costs, limited infrastructure for recycling and the need to raise consumer awareness about adopting safer and more sustainable choices.
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